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January 2, 2005
Millennium Mile and 5 mile run
Today I left New Haven, CT and finally drove back to my house I share in Northampton, MA. I felt less congested when I woke up and was happy to finally have some real plans to attend to over my break. Alison and her boyfriend picked me up at 10:30 and we drove to Londonderry, New Hampshire for the Millennium Mile. It was about a two and a half hour drive but it went by very quickly. We talked the entire way up and I felt lucky to be with two people who know so much about running. As a future full time coach it made me think that I have a lot to learn about runners and running venues before and during my career. The Millennium Mile turns out to be a one-mile, point-to-point, downhill race in which the entire field runs at the same time. I think there were at least 700 people in the race. Dena Kastor was there to sign autographs, start the race (fire the gun - which was a last minute assignment for her), and she ran with some young children in the race.
I was able to run about five miles before the race started. We arrived about an hour before the event began. I ran out and back for 20 minutes. I felt pretty tired and stiff the first half. On the second half I felt more like myself but still felt that 40 minutes was a long way to go, probably still feeling the affects of my cold. When I got to the start I then jogged to the finish area. I decided to watch the runners at the finish line so I could get a sense of what pace people ran the race.
It was funny to think that the entire event would only take about 10 to 15 minutes total. Alison rode on a truck during the race taking pictures and her boyfriend took pictures at the finish. I was glad not to be on a moving vehicle in the cold weather. I was pretty cold just standing still at the end. The male winner ran a low 4.05 ish and the female winner ran a low 4.40 ish. I think the official times are probably posted somewhere but I have not seen them yet. It was great to see so many people running so fast to the finish line. I am tempted to try the race sometime and beat my current mile pr of 5.10. I would be afraid to go and not break 5.10 so I'll have to wait until I feel I am in shape to break that mark. The course is almost entirely downhill. It would be fun to break 5.00 even if it was all-downhill.
After the race we got lunch and made a brief appearance at the post race party. We then drove back to MA and talked the entire way. The drive home also went by quickly even though we had to drive in some icy rain.
When I got home I did not know what I was going to do because none of my roommates are in town yet. I have gotten so used to being around people since I spent the whole holiday with my family that I did not want to be at my house alone. I decided to go see a movie in town. I decided to see Sideways as it has received several good nominations. It was pretty entertaining but a little melancholy as well. I felt sad when I was walking home. I think I am overtired and anxious to get started to a normal routine again. I am so used to having things to do that I think I get thrown off when I have not accomplished anything. After being pretty sick for almost a week and not doing any serious running for two weeks I feel unproductive. I don't think I necessarily have to do things all the time but a piece of me urges me to move forward. I guess I just need a balance and I have to learn that sometimes it is ok to do nothing. People who know me know that this is hard for me. Perhaps if I incorporate a little bit of that into my day on a regular basis and feel fine with it my life will be more balanced. And then maybe next time I am sick and not running I won't get so down. I think if I sleep in one more day tomorrow I should be feeling close to 100% by tomorrow or hopefully Tuesday at the latest. Once I am no longer congested I will get back to lifting and start on my 2005 training program.
Posted by mary at January 2, 2005 10:29 PM
Comments
Mary, it's probably not the first time you've heard it, but maybe being sick is your body's way of letting you know that you need rest. I do hope you get better real soon.
I can relate to your mindset about moving forward and getting things done. I get very antsy doing nothing or relaxing too.
Best wishes in your 2005 training!
Posted by: Leilani at January 3, 2005 8:46 AM